With college football coaches on the road in droves during the spring evaluation period, prospects across the country are getting a genuine feel for their status based on the number of programs making school visits. In that light, Shelby, N.C. defensive end Jonathan Bullard can only conclude that he's generating a huge amount of interest from a host of programs. Tennessee is among those fighting for a spot on Bullard's short list.

Viewed as a solid prospect coming out of his junior season, Bullard (6-foot-4, 255 pounds) has seen his stock skyrocket this spring. Now considered one of the top defensive ends in the nation in the Class of 2012, his recruitment is already reaching a fevered pitch.

In the initial Class of 2012 rankings rivals.com rates Bullard as a five-star prospect and the No. 16 overall player in the nation.